Get Your Tech On webinars provide opportunity for technology in the classroom

WATERTOWN — A series of free online webinars will be available to educators about how to integrate technology upgrades in the classroom through the “Get Your Tech On” initiative.

“All the webinars are geared to help teachers learn tools they can use in the classroom,” said Monica Stadalski, WPBS-DT marketing and creative coordinator. “We want teachers to know these online tools are available for them to use.”

“Get Your Tech On” is an online resource designed to help teachers integrate digital media and technology into curriculum. The program is hosted by the WPBS-DT media-on-demand service PBS LearningMedia. Ms. Stadalski said that the website www.pbslearningmedia.org offers more than 87,000 different learning resources for teaching students from kindergarten through 12th grade.

Local teachers can access free tech-themed content collections, how-to guides on building digital classrooms and professional development webinars through Nov. 30.

Ms. Stadalski said all of the lessons are designed to follow Common Core modules.

“It’s nice these lessons are matched so everyone is on the same page,” she said.

“Transform Your Classroom” will be offered at 6 p.m. Sept. 17. Teachers will be able to jump-start lesson planning with blended learning teaching tips, tools and media-rich content. Teacher will learn from other teachers how they are using digital media from the PBS LearningMedia library.

“Hot Tech Tools for Today’s Classrooms” will be offered at 6 p.m. Oct. 14. In the seminar, tech experts will discuss everything from the latest apps to augmented reality.

“Tips for Building Successful 1:1 Classrooms” will be held at 7 p.m. Oct. 28. A panel of 2014 PBS LearningMedia digital innovators will share practical tips and tools for using new platforms and technologies to support student learning and collaboration.

“How to Integrate Game-Based Learning in Your Classroom” will be presented at 7 p.m. Nov. 12. The webinar is designed to encourage teachers to tap into their students’ interest in video gaming as a way to teach curriculum lessons, Ms. Stadalski said.

“There are a lot of resources on this site for educators to take advantage of. Some lessons have a fee, but this is a free opportunity to learn more,” she said.